Will the Nationals spend some money to acquire Major League players this offseason? I appreciate them building the farm system, but I can't wait forever. What do you think of trying to sign a big-dollar player?
-- Ryan K., Washington D.C.

I'm glad you asked this question, because it seems a lot of people forget what Stan Kasten said when he first took over as team president. The goal is to spend money on the farm system and trade for young players, not spend big money on Major League free agents. I agree with this philosophy.

I recently asked Kasten about Major League payroll, and he gave the same answer that he gave in his first press conference: "Bill, don't ask me about the Major League payroll." I think they still have to fix the farm system before they do anything else. They still need to get hitters for the farm system.

I was at two Nationals games recently, and Alberto Gonzalez plays outstanding defense and covers a lot of territory. With that in mind, who will be the Opening Day shortstop next year?
-- Brian G., Richmond, Va.

It will be Cristian Guzman, for sure. He is having an outstanding season. As for Gonzalez, I see him as no more than a backup. Right now, he is hurt and may go on the disabled list soon.

I recently heard on the radio that Ryan Zimmerman doesn't have a good relationship with the Nationals organization. Please tell me this is only a rumor.
-- Xavier N., Houston

That is a bad rumor. Both parties get along well, however, they are not close to a contract extension. There are no bitter feelings from Zimmerman because he didn't get a contract extension.

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Are there any updates on Shawn Hill? Can we expect him to pitch again this season?
-- Jeff, D., Alex., Va.

There is an update. He is currently on a throwing program and the Nationals are hoping he can pitch in the big leagues by Sept. 1.

When can we expect to see guys like Justin Maxwell, Chris Marrero, Mike Daniel, and Michael Burgess to be called up to the big leagues?
-- Jeff, D. Alex., Va.

Maxwell and Marrero are out for the season because of injuries. As far as Daniel and Burgess go, I don't see them in the big leagues this year for different reasons. Daniel has been off and on offensively, while the team has no plans to rush Burgess, who is still in Class A ball.

Does Austin Kearns really have a future in Major League Baseball? This is the second season that he has been terrible with the bat, and it doesn't seem to be improving. He is also a rally killer.
-- Patrick B., Fairfax, Va.

Without a doubt, Kearns has a future in the big leagues. What I think has to stop, and only general manager Jim Bowden can put an end to it, is to stop calling Kearns a potential superstar. Barry Larkin said it best. Kearns is a good complementary player. I think the fans would ease up on Kearns if Bowden finally admits what Kearns really is as a player.

With no one to take Nick Johnson's place in the Minors, are the Nationals going to give him one more chance to be the everyday first baseman?
-- Steven S., Washington, D.C.

I love Johnson as a player and a human being, but the Nationals would be crazy to go into next season believing that Johnson and Dmitri Young are the first basemen because of their history with injuries. It will be hard to trade both of them for that reason. However, I would not be surprised if the Nationals went out and acquired a first baseman.

OK, I have reached my boiling point now with Bowden. The way he handled the Chad Cordero situation just oozes lack of decency and sportsmanship. Chad has been a warrior for the Expos/Nationals and for Bowden to treat him like that -- announcing to the media that he would be non-tendered -- was uncalled for.
-- Tim R., Auburn, N.Y.

There is no question that what Bowden did was wrong, and he admitted as such. Cordero is one of the greatest human beings I've ever met in baseball. He deserved better than that. I strongly believe he will not be back with the Nationals, based on what sources have told me. Cordero is still angry about the way things happened.